WO2011140596A1

WO2011140596A1 - Medical sampling port

Info

Publication number: WO2011140596A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000543
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Andrew Burke
Original assignee: Noble House Group Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2010-05-11
Filing date: 2011-05-11
Publication date: 2011-11-17

Abstract

A sampling port (10) has a tubular body (12) defining a tubular space (20) with a guard cap (14) mounted within and a cannula (24) mounted at a closed end. The tubular body (12) has flexible arms (34) having protrusions (36, 38) that extend into the tubular space (20). The protrusions (38) underlie a part of the guard cap (30) and prevent movement toward the cannula (24). The arms (34) have angled surfaces (37) that also extend into the tubular space that are engaged by the cap or bung (58) of a sample bottle or vial (56) as the bottle or vial (56) is pushed into the sampling port (10). This causes the arms (34) to flex radially outwards, releasing the guard cap (30) and allowing the bottle or vial (56) to be impaled on the cannula (24).

Description

Medical Sampling Port

Field of Invention

This invention relates to medical sampling ports and more particularly to preventing access to a cannula located within the sampling ports.

Background

Medical sampling ports are devices that allow a sample of fluid to be withdrawn, typically into a sampling vial. Typical sampling ports are tubular with one end closed to form a base and the other end open. A cannula is centrally mounted on the base and extends within the port toward the open end. The end of the cannula ends short of the end of the sampling port and so is not exposed. A sampling bottle or vial may be passed into the open end and impaled on the cannula.

Typical sampling ports may have an open end or, alternatively, a cap or cover that is movable between open and closed positions. In the closed position the cap covers the opening and prevents access to the cannula. When open the cannula may be accessed.

The existing sampling ports do not prevent a person accidentally impaling a finger on the cannula and in particular during the sampling process. Even where a cap is provided the cannula is accessible when the cap is opened.

Summary of the Invention

In one broad form the invention provides a sampling port having: a body that defines an elongate space open at one end; an elongate cannula extending along the tubular space with a pointed end facing the open end; a guard member received within the tubular space that extends transversely across the transverse cross section of the space; the guard member having an aperture aligned with the cannula through which the cannula may pass; the guard member movable along the tubular space between a first position in which the guard wall is located between the open end and the pointed end and an operative position further way from the open end compared to the first position in which at least the pointed end of the cannula extends through the aperture.

Preferably the the guard member extends transversely across substantially all of the transverse cross section of the space and in the preferred form has a solid portion with an aperture therein for the cannula. However the portion need not be solid and may have other apertures so long as the other apertures do not allow access to the cannula when in the first position such that a needle stick injury could occur.

Preferably the sampling port includes at least one first movement limiter, preferably on one of the guard member and the body that cooperates with the other of the guard member and the body, for selectively preventing motion of the guard member from the first position toward an operative position.

The at least one first movement limiter may include at least one movable portion, preferably on or connected to the body, that underlies a part of the guard member when in the first position or at least one movable portion on the guard member that overlies a part of the body when in the first position. The at least one portion may engage a part of the guard member or the body.

Preferably the at least one movement limiter is a part of the body.

Preferably the at least one movement limiter extends into the tubular space. However, the guard member may include at least one portion that extends out of the tubular space and cooperates with the at least one movement limiter.

The guard member or body may be provided with at least one recess into which the at least one limiter member extends.

The sampling port preferably includes at least one engagement surface for engagement by a sample bottle or vial when the sample bottle or vial is inserted into the sampling port, whereby the at least one movement limiter is moved to a release position by the sample bottle or vial. The at least one engagement surface may be on the at least one movement limiter but may be elsewhere, including on a separate component

The sampling port may also include at least one second movement limiter for preventing removal of the guard member from body.

Preferably the sampling port includes at least one second movement limiter, preferably on one of the guard cap and the body that cooperates with the other of the guard cap and the body, for preventing removal of the guard member from body.

Preferably the at least one second movement limiter includes a portion that overlies a portion of the guard member. The portion may be a protrusion or flange or may be a recess into which a part of the guard member extends. At least one recess may be provided in the guard member into which at least one second movement limiter extends. Preferably the at least one second movement limiter is formed as part of body.

Preferably the body comprises a wall and the first or second or both the first and second limiters are formed integrally with the wall.

Preferably at least a portion of the wall including the first or second or both the first and second limiters is flexible, whereby the first or second or both the first and second limiters may be moved to allow movement of the guard member.

Preferably the at least one first movement limiter comprises at least one first movable arm. Preferably the at least one first movable arm is movable by flexing.

The or each at least one movement limiter may comprise a flexible arm that has a protrusion, preferably at or adjacent a free end, that extends under the guard cap when in the first position. The at least one second movement limiter may be mounted on a first arm or may be mounted on a separate arm.

In one form the or each first arm includes one first and one second limiter spaced apart axially and defining a groove therebetween into which a portion of the guard member is received when in the first position.

The sampling port may include, preferably on the at least one first movement limiter, an angled face that may be engaged by the guard member to deflect the first movement limiter to allow the guard to return from an operative position to the first position.

The sampling port may include, preferably on or part of the at least one first movement limiter, a second angled face that may be engaged by a sampler, whereby inwards movement from the open end by a sampler engaging the second face causes the at least one first movement limiter to a release position, thereby allowing the sampler and guard cap to move toward the cannula and for the cannula to pass through the opening and engage with the sampler. The angled face may be on or part of the second movement limiter or on or part of another component.

In one form the sampling port comprises a tubular body defining a tubular space with a guard cap mounted within and a cannula mounted at a closed end. The tubular body has flexible arms having protrusions that extend into the tubular space. The protrusions underlie a part of the guard cap and prevent movement toward the cannula. The arms have angled surfaces that also extend into the tubular spaces that are engaged by the cap or bung of a sample bottle or vial as the bottle or vial is pushed into the sampling port. This causes the arms to flex radially outwards, releasing the guard cap and allowing the bottle or vial to be impaled on the cannula.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective axial cross-sectional view of a device according to a first implementation of the invention.

Figure 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the device of figure 1 in use with a sample bottle.

Figure 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of the device of figure 1 in use with a sample bottle as the sample bottle is being withdrawn from the device.

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a device according to a second implementation of the invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of the device of figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective axial cross-sectional view of the device of figure 4 in the locked position.

Figure 7 is a perspective axial cross-sectional view of the device of figure 4 in the operative position with a sampler.

Figure 8 is a perspective axial cross-sectional view of the device of figure 4 in the operative position without a sampler.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the device of figure 4 in use with a needle guard.

Detailed Description of implementations of the invention

Referring to figures 1 to 3 there is shown a sampling port 10 according to one implementation of the invention.

The sampling port 10 has a generally tubular guard body 12 and a guard cap 14 mounted in the body 12 for movement along the body 12. The body 12 has a base 16 at one end and a tubular side wall 18 that extends away from the base 16. The tubular side wall 18 defines an open end 20. Mounted on the base 16 is a cannula 24. The cannula 24 is mounted generally centrally and extends along the body toward the open end 20. The free end 26 of the cannula 24 is remote from the open end 20. A conical flange 22 extends from the open end 20 of the side wall 18 and aids in holding the sampling port in use. The flange 22 is not essential and may be of other shapes or configurations or may be omitted.

Although the side wall 18 shown is substantially continuous, this is not essential and it could be manufactured with apertures so long as such apertures do not allow access to the cannula 24 that allow a needle stick injury to occur.

The body 12 in this implementation has a circular cross section, although this is not essential.

The interior of the cannula 24 communicates with a female luer fitting 28 so that fluid may pass from the luer fitting 28 to the cannula 24 or vice versa. In the implementation shown the base 16 and luer fitting 28 are integrally formed and the cannula is mounted in the integral base/luer fitting. If desired the cannula may be mounted in a separate luer fitting which is then mounted on or in the base 16. The type of luer fitting is not critical and all luer variations may be used, including a male luer, a female locking luer and a male locking luer.

The guard cap 14 has a guard wall 30 that extends transversely substantially across the tubular portion 12 and a side wall 31 that extends toward the base 16. The guard wall 30 has a small central aperture 32 that is aligned with the cannula 24.

The guard cap 14 is movable axially within the body 12 between a locked position and operative position(s). In the locked position, as shown in figure 1 , the guard wall 30 is between the cannula end 26 and the open end 20. In this position the cannula 24 is not accessible to a human finger and so cannot cause a needle stick injury. In the operative position(s), the guard is nearer the base 16, with the cannula 24 extending through the aperture 32. The side wall 31 limits motion of the cap by engaging the base 16. Whilst a continuous wall is shown, the cap may have a series of legs extending from the guard wall 30. The body 12 has a set of arms 34 formed in the tubular wall 18. In this implementation there are five arms 34 spaced equally about the

circumference. There may be a single arm 34 but two or more are preferred. Each arm 34 extends upwards within a slot in the side wall and the free end may be deflected radially outwards. Each arm 34 has axially spaced inwardly extending upper and lower protrusions 36 and 38 respectively. The protrusions 36 and 38 define a slot 40 between faces 42 and 44 into which a part of the guard cap 14 is received when the guard cap 14 is in the locked position. The upper protrusion 36 thus overlies the guard cap 14 and prevents movement toward the open end 20 whilst the lower protrusion 38 lies under the guard cap 14 and prevents movement toward the base 16. In this implementation the upper protrusion 36 extends radially inwards more than the lower protrusion.

The upper face 37 of the upper protrusion 36 extends upwards and radially outwards whilst the lower face 39 of lower protrusion 38 extends downwards and radially outwards. The opposed faces of the protrusions 36, 38 are preferably generally perpendicular to the direction of movement.

In the first position, shown in figure 1 , if a user simply pushes their finger or other object against the guard cap 14 it is prevented from moving toward the base 16 by the lower protrusions 38 and so a needle stick injury cannot occur by simple application of inward force to the guard cap 14.

The guard cap 14 has a series of retainers 46 for retaining a sample bottle or sample vial that extend upwards relative to the guard wall 30. The retainers 46 have a flexible leg 48 and a radially inwardly extending protrusion 50 remote from the guard wall 30. When the guard 14 is in the first position the part of the leg 48 with the protrusion 50 extends out of the open end 20 of the body 12 and so may be flexed radially outwards. Each protrusion 50 has an upper face 52 that extends upwards and radially outwards and a lower face 54.

In this implementation each protrusion 50 is at the free end of the respective leg 48 but does not need to be and may be part way along the leg. It is merely desirable that they are located out of the tube 18 when the guard 14 is in the first position. In this implementation there are five retainers 46 and these are arranged to alternate with the arms 34.

The size of the sample port and the retainers 46 is such that a cap 58 of a sample bottle 56 or the bung 162 of an evacuated tube 160 (see figure 6) may be received in the opening defined by the legs 48, as seen in figure 2. The distance between the guard wall 30 and the lower face 54 is such that the sample bottle cap 58 may be received between the guard cap wall 30 and lower face 54 with the lower face 54 extending over the rear of the sample bottle cap 58.

As seen in figure 1 , the upper protrusions 36 of arms 34 extend into the volume defined by the legs 46 into which the cap 58 may be received.

The sampling port 10 is supplied with the guard cap 14 located in the first position. A sample bottle 56 is pushed into the open end 20. The edge of the cap 58 engages upper faces 52 of retainers 46 and urges them radially outwards, until the opening allows the cap 58 to pass the protrusions. Once the cap has passed the protrusions 50 the legs 48 spring back so the lower faces 54 of protrusions 50 overlie the back of the cap, as seen in figure 2. The sample bottle cap 58 is now retained with the guard cap 14.

As the sample bottle moves inward relative to the guard cap 14 the sample bottle cap 58 engages on angled faces 37 of protrusions 36. The length of the legs 48 is preferably such that the sample bottle 56 is retained by the protrusions 50 before the lower face of the sample bottle cap 58 engages on angled faces 37. Continued inward motion relative to the guard cap 14 causes the arms 34 to flex outwards until the lower protrusions 36 no longer underlie the respective portion of the guard cap 14. When all of the arms 34 no longer prevent movement toward the base, the guard cap 14 is free to move toward the base 16, driven by continued inward movement of the sample bottle 56. This relative motion causes the cannula 24 to pass through the aperture 32, pierce rubber membrane 60 of the sample bottle 56 and enter the interior of the sample bottle 56. Fluid may then pass into or out of the sample bottle 56 via the cannula 24.

Once fluid transfer has finished or to stop fluid transfer, the sample bottle 56 is drawn toward the open end 20. Because the retainers 46 are engaged with the sample bottle cap 58 this draws the guard cap 14 toward the open end. As the sample bottle cap 58 moves outwards it engages the angled faces 39 of the lower protrusions 38 and deflects the arms 34 outwards. This outward deflection is sufficient to allow the sample bottle cap 58 to pass the upper and lower protrusions 36, 38.

Once the sample bottle cap 58 has passed the slot 40 continued outwards motion allows the arms 34 to move inwards so that at least the upper protrusion 36 again overlies the guard cap 14. As seen in figure 2 the gap between the face 54 and wall 30 may be greater than the height of the bottle cap. This allows for variation in the height of the sample bottle cap 58.

Depending on its height the sample bottle cap 58 may have fully disengaged from the upper protrusion 36 when the guard cap 14 reaches the level of lower protrusion 38 and the arms will have returned fully to their un-deflected state. Further outwards motion causes the guard cap 14 to engage lower protrusions 38, deflecting the arms 34 outwards and allowing the cap 14 to move past the lower protrusions 38. Alternatively, the sample bottle cap 58 may still be engaging the upper protrusions 36 so that the cap may pass the lower protrusions 38 without engaging them.

In either case, the upper protrusions 36 are sized so that when the guard cap 14 passes the lower protrusions 38 the upper protrusions 36 are extending radially inwards over the guard cap 14 and so prevent outwards motion past themselves.

As the guard cap 14 returns to the first position the lower protrusions 38 of the arms 34 snap back to their original position, with the upper protrusions overlying the guard cap 14. Outwards and inwards motion of the guard cap 14 is thus prevented.

Continued outwards motion of the sample bottle relative to the guard cap 14 causes the retainers 46 to flex outwards and release the sample bottle from the sample port. The surfaces 54 may be angled so as to aid this outwards flexing.

The implementation described above thus does not require a spring or other biasing mechanism to return the guard cap 14 to the safe position. However, it does require the sampling bottle or vial to have a protrusion that may be engaged by the retainers 46.

The invention may also be used with simple vials, such as evacuated sample tubes. These are effectively a test tube with a rubber bung or sheath at their open end that may be pierced by a cannula.

The sampling port 10 may optionally include a spring 60 between the base 16 and the guard cap 14 that biases the guard cap 14 away from the base. When used with a sampler that engages the protrusions 50, as the sampler is withdrawn from the sampling port the guard cap 1 is moved under the action of both the sampler and the spring 60.

The sampling port may be used with a sampler that is small enough to fit within the protrusions 50 without deflection, so long as the end of the sampler is large enough to engage the protrusions 36 and deflect the arms 34 to allow inward motion of the guard cap 14. Thus, as examples smaller size sample bottles or vials may be used. When the sampler is withdrawn the spring 60 urges the guard cap 14 outwards to return it to the first position. If desired retainers 46 may be omitted when the device includes a spring 60.

In the implementation shown the protrusions 36 serve two purposes - acting as a stop to prevent outwards motion of the guard cap 14 and to provide an engagement surface against which a sample bottle or vial engages to deflect the legs 34 sideways to move the lower protrusions 38 from underneath the guard cap.

Although each leg 34 is provided with protrusions 36 and 38 these protrusions may be provided on separate legs. Thus, for example, one or more first legs may be provided with protrusions 36 and one or more second legs with protrusions 38. Further, the movement limiting function of the surfaces 42 and 44 may be separated from the deflection function of surfaces 37 and 39. The movement limiting surface 44 need not be on the same leg as the

corresponding defecting surface 37, so long as the relevant legs are suitably engaged or connected so that movement of defecting surface 37 causes movement of movement limiting surface 44. The same applies to surfaces 39 and 42.

If desired the side wall 18 may be provided with one or more protrusions separate from the legs 34 that extend inwards and prevent outwards motion. Where the wall 18 is formed of a plastics material the guard cap 14 may be pushed inwards, deflecting the side wall and past such protrusions, with the side wall 18 then snapping back to its position. Such protrusions may be in addition or as alternatives to the retaining function of the upper protrusions. Where separate retaining protrusions are provided the arms still need a surface to be engaged by the sample bottle or vial similar to the protrusions 36 but such protrusions need not engage the guard cap 14. Instead of protrusions on the side wall 18 there may be one or more protrusions on the guard cap that cooperate with the side wall. In a further alternative the diameter of the top of the wall 18 may be reduced so as to provide an annular surface that retains the guard cap within the tube.

Figure 6 shows a sampling port 110 according to a further implementation of the invention.

The sampling port 110 has a generally tubular guard body 112 and a guard cap 114 mounted in the body 112 for movement along the body 112. The body 112 has a base 116 at one end and a tubular side wall 118 that extends away from the base 116. The tubular side wall 118 defines an open end 120. Mounted on the base 116 is a cannula 124. The cannula 124 is mounted generally centrally and extends along the body 112 toward the open end 120. The free end 126 of the cannula 124 is remote from the open end 120.

The interior of the cannula 124 communicates with a luer fitting 128 so that fluid may pass from the luer fitting 128 to the cannula 24 or vice versa. Again any type of luer fitting may be used.

The guard cap 114 has a guard wall 130 that extends transversely substantially across the tubular portion 112 and legs 131 that extends toward the base 116. The guard wall 130 has a small central aperture 132 that is aligned with the cannula 124.

The guard cap 114 is movable axially within the body 112 between a locked position and operative position(s). In the locked position, as shown in figure 6 the guard wall 130 is between the cannula end 126 and the open end 120. In this position the cannula 124 is not accessible and so cannot cause a needle stick injury. In the operative position(s), the guard is nearer the base 116, with the cannula 124 extending through the aperture 132.

The guard cap 114 includes tabs 122 that each extend into a corresponding slot 123 in side wall 118. These slots 123 are closed at their upper and lower ends and provide limits to outwards and inwards movement of the guard cap 114 within the body 112. If desired the legs 131 may be sized to limit inwards motion of the guard cap 114 by engaging the base 116 with the tabs 122 only limiting outwards motion.

The body 112 has a pair of arms 134 formed in the tubular wall 118. Each arm 134 extends outwards within a slot in the side wall and the free end may be deflected radially outwards. Each arm 134 has inwardly extending tabs 136 and 138 that extend into the space in which the guard cap 114 moves. The tabs 136 have a horizontal upper face 137 and an angled lower face 139. When the guard cap 114 is above the tabs 136 and the arms 134 are not deflected the tabs 136 extend under a portion of the guard wall 130 and prevent movement toward the base past themselves.

The tabs 136 are near the open end 120 and when the guard cap 114 is above the tabs 136 the tabs 122 on the guard cap 114 are at or adjacent the top end of the slots 123, effectively locking the guard cap 14 in position. The tabs 138 extend into slots in the guard wall 131 and do not engage the wall 131 . The tabs 138 have angled upper and lower faces or edges 141 and 143 respectively.

As with the first implementation, when in the first position, if a user simply pushes their finger or other object against the guard cap 1 14 it is prevented from moving toward the base 1 16 by the tabs 136 and so a needle stick injury cannot occur by simple application of inward force to the guard cap 1 14.

The guard cap 1 14 has a series of retainers 146 that extend outwards relative to the guard wall 130. The retainers 146 have a flexible leg 148 and a radially inwardly extending protrusion 150 remote from the guard wall 130. When the guard cap 1 14 is in the first position the part of the leg 148 with the

protrusion 150 extends out of the open end 120 of the body 1 12 and so may be flexed radially outwards.

The size of the sample port and the retainers 146 is such that a cap of a sample bottle or the bung 162 of an evacuated tube 160 may be received in the opening defined by the legs 148, as seen in figure 5.

As seen in figure 6, the tabs 138 extend into the volume into which the bung 162 may be received.

The sampling port 1 10 is supplied with the guard cap 1 14 located in the first position. A sample vial 160 is pushed into the open end 120. The lower edge of the vial bung 162 engages protrusions 150 and urges the retainers 146 radially outwards until the opening allows the bung 162 to pass the protrusions 150. Once the bung 162 has passed the protrusions 150 the legs 148 spring back so the protrusions 150 overlie the back of the bung 162. The bung 162 is now retained with the guard cap 1 14. As the vial 160 moves inward relative to the guard cap 114 the bung 162 engages on upper angled faces 141 of protrusions 138. Continued inward motion relative to the guard cap 114 causes the arms 134 to flex outwards until the tabs 136 no longer underlie the respective portion of the guard cap 114. When both arms 134 no longer prevent movement toward the base, the guard cap 114 is free to move toward the base 116, driven by continued inward movement of the sample vial 160. This relative motion causes the cannula 124 to pass through the aperture 132, pierce bung 162 and enter the interior of the sample vial 160. Fluid may then pass into or out of the sample bottle 56 via the cannula 124.

Once fluid transfer has finished or to stop fluid transfer, the sample vial 160 is drawn toward the open end 120. Because the retainers 146 are engaged with the bung 162 this draws the guard cap 14 toward the open end. As the bung 162 moves outwards it or the guard cap 114 engages the angled faces 143 of the tab 138 and deflects the arms 134 outwards. This outward deflection is sufficient to allow the bung 162 and the guard cap 114 to pass the tabs 136, 138.

The distance between the protrusions 150 and wall 131 is preferably greater than the height of the bung 162 and so the bung 162 is preferably adjacent the protrusions 150 and not the wall 130 as the vial 160 is raised. Accordingly, the bung 162 clears the tab 138 before the wall 130 nears the tab 136 and the arm 134 and tab 136 will have returned to the un-deflected state. Continued outwards motion causes the wall 130 to engage angled lower face 139 of tab 136, causing deflection and allowing the wall to pass the tab 136. The arm 134 and tab 136 then return to the un-deflected state, preventing inwards motion of the guard cap 114.

Continued outwards motion of the sample vial 160 relative to the guard cap 114 causes the retainers 1 6 to flex outwards and release the sample vial from the sample port 110.

The implementation of figures 4 to 8 may also be used to receive a needle guard device. A needle guard device is used to protect a needle after use. One such use is in protecting the needle used for obtaining a blood donation from a donor and a sampling port is frequently provided in conjunction with a needle guard. An example of such a needle guard is that disclosed in US patent number 5833670.

Referring to figure 9, a needle guard 170 has been inserted into the sampling port 110. The needle guard 170 is sized so that it will engage tabs 138 so as to release the guard cap 114 and allow the guard cap 114 to be depresses, as previously described. The needle guard 170 has a sideways extending tab 172 that is positioned so as to align with the slot 123 in the side wall 118. The lower face 174 of the tab 172 is angled so that as the needle guard 170 is inserted the side wall 118 and the needle guard deflect to allow the tab 172 to pass the top of the slot. Once the tab 172 has entered the slot the generally horizontal upper face 176 prevents outwards motion and traps the needle guard 170 in the sampling port.

Whilst the implementations shown have the arms comprising upwardly extending movement limiting arms 34, 134, it is within the scope of the invention for the legs to be downwardly extending or extending

circumferentially.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing features of the invention shown and described may be combined in any combination of features where those features are not mutually exclusive. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A sampling port having: a body that defines an elongate space open at one end; an elongate cannula extending along the tubular space with a pointed end facing the open end; a guard member received within the tubular space that extends transversely across the transverse cross section of the space; the guard member having an aperture aligned with the cannula through which the cannula may pass; the guard member movable along the tubular space between a first position in which the guard wall is located between the open end and the pointed end and an operative position further way from the open end compared to the first position in which at least the pointed end of the cannula extends through the aperture; at least one first movement limiter for selectively preventing motion of the guard member from the first position toward the operative position, and at least one first engagement surface for engagement by a sampler, whereby inwards movement from the open end of a sampler engages the first engagement surface and moves the at least one first movement limiter to a release position, thereby allowing the sampler and guard member to move toward the cannula and for the cannula to pass through the opening and engage with the sampler.

2. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims including at least one second movement limiter for preventing removal of the guard member from body.

3. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one movement limiter extends into the tubular space.

4. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first movement limiter includes a first portion that extends under the guard member when in the first position.

5. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims including at least one second movement limiter for preventing removal of the guard member from body having a second portion that extends over the guard member when in the first position.

6. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein the guard member includes at least one portion that extends out of the tubular space and cooperates with at least one limiter.

7. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body has at least one slot and the guard member includes at least one portion that extends out of the tubular space into the at least one slot, an end of the or each slot being closed and preventing removal of the guard member from body.

8. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one movement limiter includes a first engagement surface.

9. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first movement limiter includes a first engagement surface.

10. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one second movement limiter includes a first engagement surface.

1 1 . The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one first engagement surface comprises a first angled face.

12. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims including at least one second engagement surface, for engagement by the guard member to deflect at least the first movement limiter to allow the guard member to return from an operative position to the first position.

13. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one movement limiter includes a second engagement surface.

1 . The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first movement limiter includes a second engagement surface.

15. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one second movement limiter includes a second engagement surface.

16. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one movement limiter is a part of the body.

17. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises a wall and wherein at least one of the first and second limiters is formed integrally with the wall.

18. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the wall including at least one limiter is flexible, whereby the at least one limiter is movable to allow movement of the guard member.

19. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims including at least one first movable arm having at least one movement limiter.

20. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first movable arm is movable by flexing.

21 . The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first arm includes at least one first movement limiter.

22. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first arm includes at least one second movement limiter.

23. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first arm includes both a first movement limiter and a second movement limiter.

24. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims including at least one first arm including one first and one second limiter spaced apart axially and defining a groove therebetween into which a portion of the guard member is received when in the first position.

25. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims including at least one second movable arm having at least one second movement limiter.

26. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein the guard member is biased toward the open end.

27. The sampling port of any one of the preceding claims wherein the guard member includes a retainer that engages the sampler, whereby movement of the sampler toward the open end draws the guard member from the operative position toward the open end.

28. A sampling port comprising: a tubular body defining a tubular space with a guard member mounted within and a cannula mounted at a closed end; the tubular body having at least one flexible arm having at least one protrusion that extends into the tubular space underling a part of the guard member and preventing movement toward the cannula; the at least one protrusion having an angled surface that extends into the tubular space above the guard member and engageable by the member or bung of a sample bottle or vial as the bottle or vial is pushed into the sampling port to cause the at least one flexible arm to flex radially outwards, releasing the guard member and allowing the bottle or vial to be impaled on the cannula.